Blue Jays vs Rays: Starting Lineup - Game Three Preview
Photo credit: https://www.bleachernation.com/
The Toronto Blue Jays look to win the series against the Tampa Bay Rays in the third matchup of a four game set at George M Steinbrenner Field.
Toronto is 39-37 in road games and 89-62 overall. Blue Jays hitters are batting a collective .269, the best team batting average in the AL.
Tampa Bay has a 38-38 record in home games and a 73-78 record overall. The Rays have the fifth-ranked team batting average in the AL at .251.
Tonight's matchup is the eighth time these teams have crossed paths this season. The Rays have a 5-3 advantage in the season series.
Blue Jays veteran Kevin Gausman goes up against Rays lefty Ian Seymour. First pitch is at 7:05 PM ET on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
Toronto Blue Jays starting lineup
1. RF George Springer
2. 2B Davis Schneider
3. DH Vladimir Guerrero Jr
4. C Alejandro Kirk
5. 1B Ty France
6. SS Ernie Clement
7. RF Addison Barger
8. 3B Isiah Kiner-Falefa
9. CF Myles Straw
SP Kevin Gausman
2. 2B Davis Schneider
3. DH Vladimir Guerrero Jr
4. C Alejandro Kirk
5. 1B Ty France
6. SS Ernie Clement
7. RF Addison Barger
8. 3B Isiah Kiner-Falefa
9. CF Myles Straw
SP Kevin Gausman
Starting pitchers overview
In his last outing Gausman (10-10) earned the win in a complete-game shutout of the Astros on Thursday, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out nine.
It was a spectacular performance from Gausman, who held the Astros to a pair of singles while throwing exactly 100 pitches in his first complete game since July of 2024.
The 34-year-old Gausman has been rolling of late, giving up just two runs over 24 innings in his last three starts, posting a 24:2 K:BB in that span.
His ERA is down to 3.44 on the year with a 1.00 WHIP and 171 strikeouts through 29 starts (177.2 innings).
Ian Seymour (3-2) gets the ball for the Rays tonight. In his last outing he took the loss against the White Sox, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks across 5.1 innings. He struck out five.
It's the second straight loss for Seymour, who gave up five runs (though just one earned) over four innings in a relief appearance against the Guardians last Friday.
Despite his recent stumble, Seymour has been solid when working in the rotation, allowing just four earned runs across 15.1 innings in three starts.
Blue Jays key players to watch
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is batting .304 with 23 home runs and 80 RBI for Toronto this season.
George Springer's 29 home runs are most among Toronto batters. He's driven in 75 runs this season while slugging .554.
Ernie Clement has 140 hits this season and a slash line of .279/.314/.400.
Alejandro Kirk has 122 hits and an OBP of .358 to go with a slugging percentage of .419 this season.
Rays key players to watch
Caminero paces the Rays with 44 home runs and 108 runs batted in.
Yandy Diaz has a club-leading .291 batting average.
Brandon Lowe is hitting .259 with 18 doubles, 28 home runs and 36 walks.
Chandler Simpson is batting .293 with 11 doubles, three triples and 19 walks.
INJURIES:
Blue Jays:Bo Bichette: 10 Day IL (Knee), Ryan Burr: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Yimi Garcia: 60 Day IL (Ankle), Robinson Pina: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Nick Sandlin: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Bowden Francis: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Anthony Santander: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Angel Bastardo: 60 Day IL (Elbow)
Rays:Jonathan Aranda: 10 Day IL (Wrist), Taylor Walls: 10 Day IL (Groin), Mason Englert: 15 Day IL (Shoulder), Hunter Bigge: 60 Day IL (Lat), Brian Van Belle: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Stuart Fairchild: 60 Day IL (Oblique), Shane McClanahan: 60 Day IL (Tricep), Nathan Lavender: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Alex Faedo: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Manuel Rodriguez: 60 Day IL (Forearm), Jonny Deluca: 60 Day IL (Hamstring), Ryan Pepiot: day-to-day (Rest)
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